“Covid has really put a damper on things, for sure. But the advancement of virtual conferences have allowed me to hold rehearsals from LA when most of the cast is in Atlanta. It takes a bit of coordination, but that’s my optimistic take on this whole ordeal.”
Responder: Sarahjeen François, Writer & Director
Name of Company: Femme Futuriste
Name of Show: Sister, Braid My Hair
1. Why should people see your show?
People should see “Sister, Braid My Hair” because it’s an invitation to celebrate and participate in a contemporary take on traditional West African Storytelling. It’s an invitation to witness and be warmed by the palpable sense of kinship our team is creating.
People should see “Sister, Braid My Hair” because it’s an invitation to heal. Who would say no to that?
2. What about festivals intrigues you? Any why the Atlanta Fringe?
I love the agency I’m able to have with Fringe Festivals. Being able to experiment with storytelling and having control over one’s own narratives are what any artist could ask for. It’s incredibly freeing.
Another reason is that the Atlanta Fringe is the ideal event and opportunity to present bold, new work, such as “Sister, Braid My Hair”… and in a locale where the community can identify with its themes and messages.
Lastly but not leastly, I got my BA in performing Arts in the Atlanta area (Clayton State University c/o 2016) and it’s been my dream to come back and work with artists I love and admire– it’s a bonus that most of my family and friends are in the ‘A’. Atlanta is like home to me.
3. What inspired you to create this?
“Sister, Braid My Hair” was created as a response to the many instances of brutality exhibited by the police toward Men of Color– documented and undocumented– and seeks to provide a source of healing for the communities hit hardest by this cultural crisis.
4. This year ain’t normal and there’s no sense pretending it is. How has Covid affected what you’re doing for this festival?
Covid has really put a damper on things, for sure. But in a sense, it’s allowed me to be in multiple places at a time– the advancement of virtual conferences have allowed me to hold rehearsals from LA when most of the cast is in Atlanta. It takes a bit of coordination, but that’s my optimistic take on this whole ordeal.
5. What have you learned from working on your show so far?
Communities need art to heal. To open up conversations. To cry. To laugh. And simply… just… breathe.
6. There’s a mysterious stranger in the back row of your show, wearing a big ol’ N95 mask and a baseball cap and there’s something weirdly familiar about them, and then they come up afterwards to tell you they loved your show. In your WILDEST DREAMS, who is this mysterious stranger? (Bonus points if your mysterious stranger is an Atlanta celeb.)
Tinashe Kajese Bolden.
I. Would. Spazz.
[Above: WE WOULD ALSO SPAZZ!
7. Fringes are the place to really push the boundaries so we gotta ask: are you inviting your family to this show are “Hey, maybe sit this one out you guys…”
Haaaa! No, my family can come. This one is for everyone.
8. We’ve asked this question every year for the past ten years or so but it hits different this year: Will your show change the world?
Yes. And that is my final answer.
9. Hell yeah! Good final answer. Zoom meetings: dress up head to toe or Donald Duck it?
Donald Duck style all day. It’s crazy because I’ll go the extra mile and draw my eyebrows on… but pants? Pfft.
[Just because you’re Donald Duckin’ it doesn’t mean you can’t be fancy]
10. We’re making an excellent Fringey Feelings playlist. Describe your show in two or three songs we can add to keep the jams flowing.
1) My Power – Tierra Whack, Beyoncé, Moonchild Sanelly (and more)
2) Enjoyment – Yemi Alade
3) Wena – Kabza De Small
Sounds incredible, right? Gonna need to nab those tickets, right? Click here to reserve your seats today!
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